Top Things to Do in Davao

Davao comes with a good mixture of both manmade and natural attractions that are top destinations for foreign and local tourists.Davao city is also among the safest and largest cities in the Philippines and is usually made the gateway to other beautiful places in Mindanao.

Whether you want to find out more about the history of the region, relax in a park and take in the view, or do something with a little more adventure, there are plenty of Davao tourist spots that you should explore during your visit. Let’s take a look at a few.

Davao Tourist Spots

During your time in Davao, you will have plenty of things to do in the area. You can go shopping, museum hopping, and find other thrills in the city. Let’s take a look at a few.

Climb Mount Apo

If hiking is something that you enjoy, then making the trek up Mount Apo will be well worth your time. There are three trails that you can take up the mountain, all of which offer a different hiking experience for visitors. There are seven different peaks on the mountain, but the highest is 3,144 meters above sea level. The hike is quite a feat to achieve, so on the way back down, don’t forget to stop and relax in the hot springs that can be found in the foothills.

Make a Splash at BlueJaz Water Park

BlueJaz Water Park is located at a resort that is situated a few minutes from Davao City. It has three beaches that visitors can enjoy, four swimming pools, and eight different waterslides. There are 300 feet flumes for adults to enjoy as well as shorter, less intense slides for children to enjoy. If you’d like to feel an adrenaline rush, there is a zip line that runs directly over the pools in the park.

Roll Around at Davao Zorb Park

Have you ever wanted to try rolling in those large inflatable globes? Well, that is the main attraction at Davao Zorb Park, so if you are looking for a little fun that your entire family can enjoy, then this may be an activity to try out. In the park, you will find a few slopes and areas to roll down, but there is a 100 meter downhill slope that may be of interest.

Explore Davao Crocodile Park

If you enjoy wildlife, the Davao Crocodile Park is a great place to learn more about the animal. Here you will be able to learn about the crocodile in the Crocoseum, see crocodile feedings, experience shows with crocodiles dancing, and even check out some of the other animals that are in the park. If you are visiting at the right time, you may even be able to see some hatchlings during your visit.

Get a Rush at Eden Nature Park

Adrenaline junkies who are looking for a place to spread their wings should check out Eden Nature Park. There is a butterfly sanctuary and an aviary within the park, but the main reason to come here is the thrills. The Indiana Jones ride is a zip line that is designed for younger thrill seekers, while the SkyRider is designed for adults. If you have ever wanted to ride a bike on a tightrope, then this is your opportunity. The SkyCycle is designed with wheels that hug the rope pretty high above the ground.

Top Things to See in Davao

Once you get your adrenaline rush for the day, you will most likely want to find some more relaxing locations in Davao. Whether you are looking to relax on a beach or take in some amazing views, there are plenty of things to see in Davao. Let’s take a look.

Explore People’s Park

This park was created as a legacy to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte that has become home to flower shows, sports events, and other events. It is truly a serene environment to enjoy, especially if you take the time to check out the waterfalls and the fountains within the park. There is even a play area for children to enjoy.

Bird Watch at Philippine Eagle Centre

The Philippine Eagle Centre is home to 36 Philippine Eagles. There are other animals in the center as well, but it is mainly centered around these critically endangered species, especially since there are less than 400 Philippine Eagles in the world.

Relax at Dahican Beach

Dahican Beach is not a resort that has lots of vendors and water activities to take part in; it is simply a beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise water that will take your breath away. The crescent-shaped beach is a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles, so if you get the chance to explore the area, look for the nursery pens along the beach.

Food to Try in Davao

No matter where you travel to, there are going to be dishes or food options in that location that you will want to try because they are unique to the region. Let’s take a look at some of the delicacies that can be found in Davao. If you are interested in more check out our complete list of Filipino food bloggers.

Durian

Durian is a fruit that is grown in this area of the world. If you have never tried durian, it is a unique flavor that some adore, while others find that it is too pungent to enjoy. If you have the chance to stop at the Bankerohan Fruit Market, you can find durian as well as some of the other fruits that are unique to the area. Davao is known as the fruit basket of the Philippines, so make sure to try some fruit while you are there. If you don’t enjoy fresh durian, you can try it in cheesecake, ice cream, or pies throughout the city.

Kalderobo

If you like beef stew, you will love this Filipino take on the dish called Kalderobo. The main difference that you will notice between this dish and beef stew is the consistency of the sauce, which allows you to eat it with rice if you’d like. Rekado, which is located in the right in Davao city, specializes in this dish.

Pakfry

Pakfry is a dish that is made from the tail of the tuna. It is cooked in vinegar and spices to infuse the flavors in the fish, and then it is deep fried in oil to create a crispy exterior. This pickled flavor is a true taste of Davao, and a great place to try the dish is PaloVince.

Final Thoughts

Davao is a city that has plenty to offer. It is not a large tourist area, but that is part of the beauty of this part of the Philippines. There are plenty of places where you can go get up close to the wildlife that lives in the area, there are amazing views from Mount Apo, and no matter where you go, you can find some delicious fresh fruit to enjoy. Davao is a unique area of the Philippines that you will want to explore, so make it the next destination that you cross off of your bucket list. If you have the chance, check out some of the festivals in the area while you are there.